Removal & Installation

Under no circumstances use an ohmmeter or other live measuring instrument to take readings on a disconnected, non-deployed pyrotechnical Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) component. There is also a risk of the seat belt tensioner deploying. Pyrotechnical SRS components must never be taken apart, repaired, or transferred to another vehicle.

With battery disconnected, move the ignition key to Position II.

Turn the steering wheel
1
/
4
turn so that the two holes on the rear of the steering wheel are accessible.

Insert a screwdriver in the holes on the reverse of the steering wheel. The screwdriver must be at a right-angle to the rear surface of the steering wheel.

Place the screwdriver point against the top of the spring clip as illustrated.

Pry the screwdriver up against the upper edge of the hole (2) so that the point of the screwdriver presses down the catch (1) until the catch releases.

Turn the steering wheel
1
/
2
turn in the opposite direction.

Repeat the process on the other side.

Turn the steering wheel to the neutral position.

Fold out the air bag.

Disconnect the 2 connectors (there may be more or less) for the SRS ignition cables for the air bag.

Remove the air bag.

CAUTION

The removed air bag module should be stored in a clean, dry place with the pad cover face up.

Fig. Placing ignition key into Position II with battery disconnected

Placing ignition key into Position II with battery disconnected

Fig. Position of steering wheel for access to air bag module retaining clips

Position of steering wheel for access to air bag module retaining clips

Fig. Releasing spring retaining clip for driver-s side air bag module

Releasing spring retaining clip for driver-s side air bag module

Fig. Disconnecting the SRS ignition cables for the air bag module

Disconnecting the SRS ignition cables for the air bag module

Lock the contact reel in position with the locking screw as illustrated.

Remove the bolt securing the steering wheel to the steering column.

Pull the steering wheel straight back.

Pull the cable harness through the hole in the steering wheel.

Remove the steering wheel.

Fig. Locking the contact reel and removing steering wheel

Locking the contact reel and removing steering wheel

To install:

Pull the cable harness through the hole of steering wheel.

Install the steering wheel in place.

Install the center bolt for the steering wheel. Use a new bolt. Tighten in 2 steps:

Step 1-22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm).

Step 2-angle-tighten 30°

Remove the locking screw holding the contact reel.

Install the air bag module:

NOTE

For air bags (replacement part) supplied without keypads, for Audio, RTI, and cruise control, an upgrade kit must be ordered.

Install the 2 connectors (there may be more or fewer).

Press the air bag into place.

CAUTION

Ensure that the wiring is not trapped during installation.

Check that the SRS is functioning properly:

Install the battery negative lead.

Check that the SRS indicator lamp is not defective by turning the key to Position II.

The SRS indicator lamp must light and go out after approximately seven seconds.

Check that the SRS indicator lamp in the combined instrument panel is not constantly lit. Fault-trace the SRS if the lamp is constantly lit.